Innoviz Technologies .(INVZ) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, Innoviz recorded full-year revenues of $24.3 million, an increase from $20.1 million in 2023, exceeding the midpoint of guidance [5][43] - Cash used in operations and capital expenditures decreased to $81.4 million from $99.6 million in 2023 [5] - The company ended 2024 with $68 million in cash and cash equivalents [6][40] - Gross profit was generated for the first time in Q4 2024, with expectations for positive gross margins for the full year of 2025 [42][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company announced a multi-year $80 million NRE payment plan with key customers, with over $40 million expected in 2025 [10][14] - NRE bookings for 2024 were in line with expectations, and the company anticipates $20 million to $50 million in additional NRE bookings for 2025 [11][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Innoviz is expanding its production capacity significantly in 2025 to meet future customer demands [8] - The partnership with Mobileye has led to programs with several new OEMs, indicating a strong market position [8][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Innoviz plans to explore opportunities outside the automotive industry while maintaining a focus on automotive applications [9][34] - The company aims to become the leading Tier 1 automotive LiDAR supplier, leveraging its superior technology and strengthened balance sheet [49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term goals and reaching profitability by the end of the decade [16] - The company expects a more than twofold increase in revenues year-over-year for 2025, driven by NRE payments and LiDAR sales [36][35] Other Important Information - The company has optimized operations to deliver approximately $12 million in annual savings [7][15] - Innoviz is actively engaging with multiple OEMs on RFIs and RFQs across various platforms, indicating a robust pipeline of opportunities [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on potential nomination with top auto OEM - Innoviz has passed legal discussions and is awaiting final alignment from the customer [53] Question: Expectations for free cash flow and cash burn reduction - The company expects to continue reducing cash burn, with NREs contributing positively [55] Question: Insights on potential tariff implications - Currently, there is no impact from tariffs, and interest in the U.S. market is increasing due to Innoviz's geopolitical neutrality [64] Question: Data insights on LiDAR's role in driving decisions - LiDAR plays a significant role in complex driving scenarios, with some customers reporting over 90% reliance on LiDAR for decision-making [68] Question: Clarification on NRE bookings - NREs are paid by customers for development support before production ramp-up, with payments tied to milestones [76][78] Question: Milestones for VW ID Buzz program - Innoviz is approaching the C-sample stage, which is critical for production validation [98][100] Question: Update on BMW China platform - BMW's Level 3 platform is awaiting approval, and Innoviz's LiDAR provides a substantial quality advantage for Level 3 and Level 4 systems [110][112]